Balloons are really expensive here in Oz so thought I would order some stuff in UK and get my dad to bring over in a couple of weeks (rapidly getting through my one bag of 260's). So for someone who is just learning but would like to try some more than one balloon models and has 40GBP to spend what would you get?  My main audience are my kids so toddlers.  

Thanks in advance.

Hmmm - £40 will get you a fair few bags of balloons...

It kind of depends upon what you are making, but you can't go too far wrong with a few bags of mixed traditional/entertainer 260s from Qualatex and a bag of 100 260q white - it is a really common colour and used in a lot of models I make.  I'd avoid the jewel finish balloons though as, frankly, they are horrible to work with - very prone to popping and have an awful sticky, tacky feel when using them, never mind the rasping 'squeak' when twisting them.  This is just my humble opinion though  :?  

In addition to the 260q stuff above, I'd probably buy a bag of mixed black tipped 321s (apples, wasps etc), and one bag each of assorted of 160s and 350s.  Generally speaking, you'll not use many (if any) geo blossoms, 646q ballons or 5" rounds day-to-day (if you are just starting out) so I wouldn't bother with them just now. (See the link at the top of the page for all your balloon needs   )

You'll have a good amount of change from your £40, but this should let you get a feel for what colours you like/use and then to spend your money wisely on what works for you  :|

I hope this is of some help - be interesting to see what others think

--Neil

Thanks for the reply that is a starting point.   I had used the sites above to check out prices I can't believe the difference the for a 100 pack of 260's here in Oz best online price I have found is equivalent to 17GBP - so I probably don't need to spend 40GBP after all.  

If anyone has experience in the most economical way to get balloons in Australia I would be most interested to hear about it (although my parents, in laws etc tend to visit frequently enough to bring me balloon  parcels :-))

Hi there,

Neil has certainly given you the right advice re balloons to buy....stick to the basics as you won't really need any "specials", though I would suggest a bag of mixed pink/white/red hearts would come in handy, perhaps more so than the bee boddies.

Wow, the price really is expensive in Oz for balloons

I have a couple of facebook friends out your way ( "Uncanny" Jeff Hayes, a fantastic twister, and Sonia Tabe, a wonderfully creative lady ) I will have a chat with them and find out where they get there balloons from and let you know  

I mainly agree with whats been said:

Mixed 260's (lots)
Mixed 160's (one)
Mixed hearts (one) and I would add in mixed rounds (one) to play with plus, I would add in a mixed 350's also to play with too.

I would omit the 321 for the moment.

Good luck and post some photos, when you've made some stuff!

best wishes
Danny

Hi there,

Just been chatting with Jeff, who says the best place in Melbourne is "Parties and More" they should be in the Melbourne Yellow Pages, and they are a Qualatex agent.

He says they should also stock Bellatex, but they may be under a different name....Premier, or 5 Star.

Hope this helps    

Thanks Phoenix,  I checked out "Parties and More" and they only sell trade, so I don't qualify it appears (although maybe that is only online - will check them out further if I am in their area).  I have found some slightly cheaper more like 10GBP a bag of 100 at different places, but I think for time being I will just buy in UK and get them brought over.

Thanks also everyone else I think I have a good list now, will order and get sent to my dad (who I can see being a convert to twisting).   Very happy my kids birthdays are coming up so have excuse to create lots of cool stuff.

Maybe a bag of 350s might be nice. I use quite a lot and nice to scale up a 260 model.

Am now in Darwin with my balloon selection, very happy with them and busy trying them out.  Did not realise how much they weighed though I might have to leave all my clothes here do can get them in my luggage allowance or maybe leave the kids clothes even better!